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Show Page Ten - The Springville Herald - January 8, 1981 Blacksmithing in Springville The by Tom Phillips Editor's note: This IS the first installment in the history of blacksmithing in Springville. Written by Tom Phillips of Twin Falls, Idaho, a retired U.S. Forest Service employee, he is the only surviving member of the Gomer Phillips family, a family which played an important role in the blacksmithing industry here. I don't remember how old I was when I first set foot in dad's blacksmith shop, but I can tell you it was a terrifying experience. ex-perience. I was with my brother Theo at the time and as we approached the open door the place was a bedlam. Several farmers were banging away at various types of farm equipment, grinders were rasping away at metal, and everybody was yelling at everybody else. Dad was in the process of welding a toe calk on a horseshoe. He pulled the white-hot shoe out of the forge, placed it on the anvil, and gave it a sharp blow with his hammer. Hot welding compound flew in all directions and part of it hit me smack dab in the face. I was scared more than hurt, but you would have thought I was killed. Dad showed no sympathy. Instead, he yelled at me and told me to get out of there with my bare feet. So Theo grabbed me by the collar and we got out of there. As I grew older my fear of the blacksmith shop turned into fascination, and I loved to go over to the shop and get under foot. When dad or Ernie was working with the drill I would grab a piece of scrap iron, run over to the grinder , push the metal against the emery wheel and watch the sparks fly. Better still, I liked to heat a piece of scrap iron in the forge until it was white hot, then throw it into the slack tub. The water next tb the white hot metal would instantly turn into steam and would explode with a loud bang and throw water all over the place. Why I didn't get blinded or have my head blown off during these escapades I will never know. I figured out early on that blacksmiths must have been around for a long, long time. I can't tell you when the first blacksmith entered the stage, but I can tell you the event that brought it about. It was when someone discovered that he could heat ore to a high temperature and melt out more or less pure metal. This probably occurred about 5,000 years ago somewhere over in the Middle East. The person who made this discovery immediately ran into a big problem: the metal was of little use in its raw form. What was needed was someone who could take the metal and cut, mold, and shape it into MAYO FACTORY OUTLET MEN'S MOUNTAIN PARKA REG. $46.00 now $no)oo MONDAY THRU. SATURDAY Hours. 1 1 A.M. to 6 P.M. 489-9412 717 NORTH MAIN SPRINGVILLE, UTAH 84663 ehsmifh useful products. The man who first accomplished this task was the world's first blacksmith. I don't imagine things were too rough for the early blacksmiths, since copper and tin were the first metals smelted. Both of these had relatively low melting points and were soft, malleable, and thus easily shaped and molded. Then someone tried mixing tin and copper and came up with bronze. This alloy, too, was easily worked. It was especially adapted for molding, and the early day blacksmith was undoubtedly engaged in this activity. The blacksmith's lot became more difficult with the discovery of iron. He soon found he couldn't work this metal without heating it to extremely high temperature. He also discovered that heating the iron to the desired temperature required a tremendous amount of energy. It was no good trying to heat a piece of iron in an ordinary or-dinary fire. What was required was a lot of high energy fuel burning at a fast rate. I don't know if the early day blacksmith had access to such high energy fuels as charcoal and coal, but I am sure he must have soon discovered that applying an abundant supply of oxygen resulted in a much faster burning fire that produced extremely high temperatures. So where did he get his oxygen? Well, ancient drawings show four or five men standing around the fire blowing on it through long pipes. Other drawings show men fanning the fire with large fans. I suppose this could be construed as representing the first forge. Apparently these methods of feeding oxygen to the fire continued con-tinued for several centuries. cen-turies. But eventually some genius invented the bellows. This invention resulted in a significant leap forward in blacksmithing, since it eliminated the need for all those blowers and fanners, and it enabled the blacksmith to control his fire much more efficiently. ef-ficiently. The bellows remained in use until the age of electricity brought on the electric blower. I am sure the early day blacksmith recognized the need for a device upon which he could manipulate the iron he was working on. This need undoubtedly resulted in the development of the anvil. I doubt if any one person invented the anvil. ' Rather it probably evolved down through the centuries into its present form. In order to work his iron, the blacksmith had to have a way to handle it while it was red hot. This resulted in the development of the various tongs, clamps, DOWN-FILLED RUSTLER PARKA REG. $68.00 NOW TETON SKI PARKA REG. $67.00 NOW fi (5)00 LJ 1 etc. now used in handling hot iron. When I was a kid there was plenty of demand for blacksmiths. I well remember the spring mornings when I was awakened by the clip clop of horses feet and the grating and grinding of steel-tired wagon wheels on the gravel streets as the farmers headed for their farms out west of town. In our section of town, Center Street was the main travel artery and wagons by the dozens made the daily exodus. This went on from about 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Then soon after 5 p.m. the wagons came streaming back into town. During the winter months the wagons largely disappeared from the roads and bobsleds took their place. The daily winter journey to the farm was for the purpose of feeding the cattle. As I recall, there were five blacksmiths in town to take care of the farm equipment and to keep the horses shod. Tom Wheeler had a shop on 2nd or 3rd North near the east edge of town. Wells Crandall had his shop over near the Grant School. Then there was Brig Leithey who had a shop on 2nd South behind the Mendenhall Bank. Also on 2nd south and about one-half block west of the Springville Bank was a shop owned by Allen whose first name I can't remember. He hadn't been in business long before he dropped dead of a heart attack while shoeing a horse. Then there was Jack Carter who ran a shop about one-half block off main street on 2nd north. So now we arrive at the door of Gomer Phillips' blacksmith shop. Actually, Ac-tually, dad had two shops during his career as a blacksmith. His first shop was located on Center Street across the road North from the City Park. He must have been at this location for about 20 years. But when Bill and Earl came home from the war they bought the old Packard store and went into the garage business. Then dad moved his shop into the building behind the garage. I was about seven years old at the time and remember the transition well. They tore out the wood floor and replaced it with cement. Toward the west end of the building a sump was installed. In this area the floor was sloped down to a central point. At this Instead of thawing, you should cook foods from the frozen state. Thawing may result in considerable con-siderable loss of protein, B vitamins and minerals in the discarded juices especially for chopped, cubed and organ meats. Any juices should be reserved for sauces, gravies and soups. LADIES' DRESS COATS P' :1 - J GOOSE DOWN FILLED REG. $198.00 NOW 7 00 step lowest point a five gallon bucket was set and cemented in place. A pipe was connected to the bucket and run out of the building to the ditch near the sidewalk. As we shall learn later, the sump was used in setting wagon tires. First baby born in 1981 has local ties Susan and Brian Devenish of Orem are the proud parents of the first baby born at Mountain View Hospital in 1981. Jamie Jo was born at 8:40 a.m. on January l, 1981. The winners of the 1981 First Baby at Mountain View will receive the following: a turkey or case of formula from Smith's Food King in Payson; case of Isomil from Safeway in Payson; diaper bag from the Pink Ladies at Mountain View Hospital; $10.00 gift certificate from Forsey's in Payson; $5.00 gift certificate from Christensen's in Spanish Fork; $10.00 gift cer m ill Susan and Brian Devenish of Orem are the proud parents of the first baby born at Mountain View Hospital in 1981. The baby, who weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz., has ties to Springville. The late Bill Devenish is the baby's paternal great-grandfather. Depression workshop begins today A series of free workshops on "Overcoming "Over-coming Depression" sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Family Institute In-stitute will begin Thursday, Thur-sday, January 8 at the Orem Public Library. Workshops will also held January 15 and be 22. The workshops will begin at 7:30 p.m. According to Dr. Phil Anderson, who will be conducting the workshops, each workshop will deal with different aspects of .depression. The first workshop will define depression and suggest ways of overcoming it through self-knowledge and self-control. At the second workshop the relationship between guilt and depression will be discussed. The third workshop will focus on a fulfilling life; intimacy, spontaneity, and fun. Attendance at all three workshops is recommended, recom-mended, however the public is invited to attend the workshops of their choice. The purpose of the workshops, according to Dr. Anderson, is to learn how to recognize and then deal with depression in a constructive way. Depression tends to be prevelant immediately following the holidays because of the emotional letdown at that time. In scheduling the depression workshops now, it is hoped that with some help some of these stresses may be more appropriately ap-propriately managed. For additional in formation about the workshops contact the Rocky Mountain Family Institute, 834 South State Street, Orem. Bank sets art show Central Bank is pleased to announce the art display of Millie Johnson of Provo, who will exhibit her paintings in the downtown Provo office, 75 North University Avenue during January. All area residents are encouraged to view Mrs. Johnson's work, Monday through Friday, 9:30a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tificate from Ray's Food Mart in Payson; $25.00 savings account from Central Bank and Trust in Payson, Spanish Fork, Springville and Provo; two cans of car wax from Bradshaw Auto Parts in Payson; heavy duty flashlight from Bradshaw Auto Parts in Spanish Fork; a case of Pampers and a $100.00 U.S. Savings bond from Mountin View Hospital. The baby weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz. This is the second child for the couple who now have one boy and one girl. The baby is a greatgrandchild great-grandchild of the late Bill Devenish of Springville. Survive winter driving With another Utah winter upon us, Public Safety Commissioner Larry E. Lunnen advises motorists to review rules for winter storm survival. "Simple planning ahead before you travel and common sense if you are caught in a winter storm could save your life," Lunnen said. Here are some suggestions: Listen to forecasts, road reports and storm warnings war-nings before you leave home. Tell someone where you are going and the route you will be taking. Report your safe arrival. Prepare a winter survival kit. Items can be packed in a three-pound coffee can. Contents may include a flashlight, spare batteries, candles, matches, a knife, can opener, spoons, toilet paper, change, asprin canned heat and high calorie food. If you are stalled, tie a colored banner on your antenna. Stay in your vehicle as it is the best shelter available. Avoid overexertion and keep calm. The storm will end and you will be found. Conserve body heat. If you must do some work such as shoveling, be sure, to unzip outer clothing to provide ventilation as wet clothing loses its insulation qualities. Keep fresh air in your vehicle. It is much better to be chilly or cold and awake that to be come uncomfortably un-comfortably warm as you slip into unconsciousness. If you must leave the vehicle, write a note giving name, address, person to contact, time and day you left and which direction you are walking. A free checklist on "Winter Driving is available at any Driver License Station, the Highway Patrol or from many service stations. ach individual affiliate ol the First Security Corporation is a member of Local man represents sales firm Roy Box, 30 South 100 West, Springville, has been appointed a representative in Springville, with the national sales organization Investors In-vestors Diversified Services (IDS), the large Minneapolis - based financial institution. The appointment was announced an-nounced by Vern Shafer, divisional manager in Salt Lake City. The IDS national sales organization, which includes in-cludes more than 3,000 men and women, offers a variety of financial services for individuals and businesses. Included in those services are shares of the Investors Group of 10 mutual funds, fixed-return investments, and insurance products underwritten by an IDS subsidiary. The Salt Lake City divisional sales office serves IDS clients throughout the state of Utah. Mr. Box and his wife Joyce have a daughter, Jennifer. A graduate of BYU, he earned a BS Degree in finance. i gfc , i Roy Box, right, is congratulated by Vern Schafer, Investors Diversified Services Ser-vices Divisional Manager for Utah, upon his appointment as a representative in Springville with the national sales organization. Attorney opens District practice here Russell L. Mahan, Attorney at Law, has opened an office here for the practice of general law. The office is located in the Central Bank and Trust Building upstairs. Entry is on the north side of the building. Mr. Mahan has for the past two years had a private law practice in Panguitch, as well as serving as Panguitch City Attorney and Garfield County Attorney. Prior to that, he was a law clerk to Juab County attorney, working closely with him in civil and criminal matters, and was heavily involved in murder prosecutions. A research assistant to Professor David Thomas, Mr. Mahan earned his Juris Doctor Degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. Prior to that, he attended the University of Denver of a scholarship majoring in accounting and graduated summa cum laude from University of Northern Colorado in Greeley with a major in history and a minor in political science. Born in Houston, Texas, he moved with his parents to Colorado, where they now live. He and his wife, the former Kami Garfield of Arvada, Colo., are the parents of two children, Jake, 6, and Mary 5, both of whom attend Art City Elementary School. The Mahans lived here in 1977-78 while he attended at-tended law school, have always had a fondness for CALCIUM SOURCES-Slong SOURCES-Slong bones and healthy teeth demand a daily supply of calcium. Nondairy sources of calcium include pumpernickel pum-pernickel bread, collard greens, apricots, sardines, sar-dines, and salmon. Using soup bones in an old fashioned stew is also a pleasant way to get your calcium. For a $5 FREE SAMPLE (like Easy-oH or Glass-Plus) for sinks, tubs windows, cars, etc. call AUDREY: : -V 377-4444 the F D I C Each individual depositor's account is insured to $100,000 are happy to be back. Mr. Mahan's law office will be open week days from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a .m. to 12 noon on Saturday. He will also be working on a part time basis with the Juab County Attorney in Nephi, and will continue part time as Garfield County Attorney until the end of March. Russell L. Mahan Springville, and RUSSELL L. MAHAN ATTORNEY AT LAW Announces the opening of his law office at 25 West 200 South (upstairs Central Bank Building) in Springville. Mr. Mahan, who has in recent years served as County Attorney At-torney and City Attorney in Southern Utah while conducting conduc-ting a general law practice, announces office hours of 8:30 to 5:00. weekdays and 9 to 12 Saturday mornings. Phone 489-8211 Evenings by appointment Elegant French Lead Crystal Offer Ends Soon You don't need to go all the way to France just for beautiful beau-tiful crystal. Look into the stemware, tumblers and accessories ac-cessories that we have for you! Offer ends January 15th! rOffSG sl it increases lunch price The president has signed into law the reconciliation bill for the current fiscal year, 1981. This bill has reduced the re-imbursement Nebo District receives for all children's school lunches by 22 cents. It reduces the level of commodity assistance for lunches by 2 cents, which makes the new commodity rate 13'2 cents per lunch. The bill also requires a permanent freeze for milk served to paying children at the rate of 5 cents per one half pint for all participating schools. Effective January 1, 1981 the differential in reimbursement rates will be 20 cents between free and reduced price catergories, therefore all reduced price lunches will be 20 cents starting on January 5, 1981. All other school lunch prices will remain the same until the Board of Education studies the effect the 2l cent cut in reimbursement will have on school district budgets. The school district truly regrets making these cutbacks. cut-backs. U by the F D I C |